The Sherlock Holmes Museum

21/02/2019 08:07:00

About the Museum

We know the question on your mind: How can an entire museum be dedicated to a fictional character? In London, everything is possible. The Victorian house standing before you is devoted entirely to the legendary Sherlock Holmes detective, from the book written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. One can understand how significant and popular this series of books is to this day.

This is a particularly popular private museum located on Baker Street in London, the street where the detective resides in the stories. Built in 1815, the building served as a hostel before it became a museum. The museum opened to the public in 1990 by the Sherlock Holmes International Association (a non-profit organization). The atmosphere and even the attire of the employees are reminiscent of the Victorian era.

The museum displays a "reconstruction" of Holmes' personal effects and history - a violin, pipes, letters, rooms and wax figures - all according to what is described in the well-known book.
A souvenir shop is located on the ground floor. The living quarters of the fictional detective is on the second floor, where you will also find Dr. Watson's room (this is the back room where you will find medical books and a diary in which he has written notes according to the plot of the book).

In Watson's room there is an actor who plays Dr. Watson, and you can have a short conversation with him if you like. At the front of the house you can enter Mrs. Hudson's room. On the wall of Holmes's room there are shooting holes (shot by Holmes) that strike the initials of Queen Victoria's name. You can sit in the big armchair in front of the fireplace, take a look at Holmes's collection of magnifying glasses and pipes and impressive hat collection. On the third floor you will find a museum with wax dolls of the characters.

One must admit it's pretty nice for a visit in a fictional man's home!